Security van escorts buses in Limerick after violent attacks

PRIVATE security drivers have started to escort evening bus services in a city estate to protect drivers and passengers from serious violence.

Limerick Live has learned that a vehicle waits for the 303 bus to enter Southill from 5.30pm to close of service every night, with a security guard on hand to intervene if an issue on the bus arises.

The vehicle follows the bus - a service operates up to every 15 minutes - as it collects and drops off passengers in Carew Park and O’Malley Park.

It then leaves the bus as it completes the rest of its route through Janesboro, the city centre and out to Moyross, before moving to follow another 303 service when it enters Southill.

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Local TD Maurice Quinlivan said he is aware of the security guard following the bus.

He said it’s “disappointing” it’s happening, but added: “If the services are under attack, we have to defend them as best we can.”

The move comes following a spate of violent incidents on the bus.

Last year, drivers stopped serving O’Malley Park and Carew Park for a time after a driver ended up in hospital with facial injuries after she was shot at with an airgun.

Limerick Live understands a condition of the National Bus and Rail Union allowing its members to return to Southill was having this security measure put in place, alongside regular appearances by gardai on board the 303.

The security personnel, it is understood, are funded by the National Transport Authority which governs bus services across the State.

Only last week, a driver in his 40s ended up in hospital after being assaulted by two people on William Street.

He suffered a black eye and cuts to his face.

Mr Quinlivan added: “The communities the buses serve are by-and-large sound, solid communities. But, unfortunately, in some areas across the city, a tiny group of people have caused problems over the years. It's not fair when the service is cut off due to a small group of people.”

The City TD said the “root cause” of this is a decline in frontline gardai. He claimed that 10 years ago, 92 community gardai served the city and that's down to just 22 now.

The NTA referred queries on the security presence to Bus Eireann, with the bus firm not returning a request for comment.